Actor and filmmaker Prakash Raj has stirred fresh controversy in the Indian film industry after criticizing the National Film Awards, claiming that the prestigious honours have lost credibility and no longer reflect artistic merit.
In a recent statement, the outspoken actor said the awards have become “compromised”, suggesting that bureaucratic influence and lobbying have replaced genuine recognition of cinematic excellence. “Files and piles are getting awards,” Raj remarked sharply, implying that politics and paperwork are now deciding winners instead of performance and creativity.
Raj’s comments come in the wake of veteran actor Mammootty’s acclaimed performance in Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, which many fans and critics believed deserved the National Award for Best Actor. Instead, the decision went another way—prompting Raj to voice what many in the industry have privately echoed for years: that the awards process has become opaque and politically influenced.
“Mammootty doesn’t need an award to prove his greatness,” Prakash Raj said. “But it’s painful to see how the system overlooks such performances. The National Awards used to be a celebration of cinema’s finest, but now they’ve turned into a game of connections and convenience.”
This isn’t the first time Raj has called out the establishment. Known for his fearless opinions, he has frequently criticized the growing politicization of Indian cinema and the selective nature of recognition. His latest statement has reignited debate over the credibility and transparency of national honours in the film fraternity.
While the National Film Awards have long been seen as India’s most prestigious recognition of cinematic excellence, growing voices—including prominent filmmakers, actors, and critics—are questioning whether the system still serves its original purpose.
As the controversy unfolds, social media remains divided: some applaud Prakash Raj for speaking uncomfortable truths, while others accuse him of undermining the institution. Yet, one sentiment seems to echo across the board — that Indian cinema deserves awards determined by art, not agenda.
